Big Intervale Fishing Lodge

The couple running the place were wonderful hosts, and we really enjoyed our two-night stay, even though we weren't there to fish. It's a fishing lodge, so some things are pretty basic. Getting there means a 40-minute drive on a bumpy dirt road, but the cabins were well equipped with everything we needed, including coffee and a coffee maker. There are three cabins available to rent; two are winterized, and the room arrangements include two-bedroom cabins and one with two separate rooms. We ate breakfast and dinner there both days. Breakfast is simple, with eggs and bacon, French toast, or muesli. Dinner has more options, like steak, pork loin, pasta, and salmon, and everything we tried was delicious. Since there were six of us, we got to sample most of the menu. Half portions are available and were plenty for most of us. They don't serve lunch, so you'd need to bring something or drive out.

The chicken curry was so good I'd make the drive back tomorrow just to have it again. Herman is the chef and a real master at it, and Herman and Ruth are both wonderful people who take pride in their work. The salads were incredibly fresh and green, as if they'd come straight from the garden, and there was a good range of local wine and beer. The place is way off the beaten track. As my father-in-law says, when the road ends, keep going! But the drive is worth it. The setup allows for appropriate social distancing, and Ruth wears a face shield. We've been coming for several years and plan to keep returning. If you're in the area, be sure to check them out.

We only went for dinner, and the Atlantic salmon is worth recommending. It was perfectly cooked, with generous portions at a good price. The staff were friendly, knew the menu, and paid attention without hovering. Even the chef came out to check that we were happy with everything. The lodge is lovely, right on the banks of the Margaree River, and dinner was a great experience. I'd highly recommend Big Intervale Fishing Lodge.

The food alone would bring us back. My wife had the fresh fish and chips, and I ordered the soup of the day, pumpkin. I've never tasted anything so delicious. It was our first visit to the big Intervale salmon Lodge, after attending the Highland Quest. We stopped in with a few friends on the way home while visiting Cape Breton in the fall. The owners were extremely friendly and opened the doors five minutes early when they saw us coming. The restaurant and bar were beautifully decorated with pictures of the local area, showing the rich history of the Margaree River and the lodge. The lodge is also situated by some of the best pools for salmon fishing in eastern Canada. We'll be back!